Morocco entered the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 for the first time by clinching a historic 3-0 win over 2010 champions Spain in the penalties shoot-out.
Morocco's Abdelhamid Sabiri, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi scored goals against Spain. However, Benoun's attack failed. Spain's Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler, and Sergio Busquets failed to make goals in the penalty shootout.
Morocco were able to reach the quarter-final in their sixth attempt and the round of 16 after 36 years.
Held at the Education City Stadium in Doha, the winner were determined through the penalty shoot-out after the match ended in a goalless draw even in the extra time. Both teams failed to score any goals in the entire 120 minutes.
Earlier, in the first half, Morocco exerted pressure on the strong team Spain. Despite some beautiful opportunities, they could not score any goals. Spain hogged the ball and Morocco sat back plugging the gaps, with very few clear-cut chances being created. The match went for an extra time after it remained goalless even in the second half.
After winning over Belgium, Morocco had made it to the round of 16. Prior to this, Morocco played a goalless draw against Croatia. Morocco became the Group F winner after defeating Canada comfortably in the final match of the group stage.
Though Spain faced a defeat at the hands of Japan in the second match of group stage, it journeyed into the round of 16 as it had defeated Costa Rica 7-0 in the first match. Spain advanced as the runner-up of Group E beating Germany on the basis of goal difference after 1-1 draw.
Morocco advanced in the World Cup along with Senegal representing African nations. After Senegal were knocked out of the round of 16, Morocco were Africa's last hope.
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